In Everything Give Jesus Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Recently while traveling in Florida, my husband and I visited our brothers and sisters in the Lord. All of them suffered losses from Hurricane Michael. Their common theme was, “I thank the Lord. It could have been worse.” Some homes were devastated and are going to be torn down, starting over. Many of them lost their treasured memories, clothes, furniture, appliances. But none of them suffered a loved one’s lost life! The death toll in the pan handle of Florida did not accurately make the news which reported approximately 28 dead. In fact, body bags totaling over 400 were filled. The landscape will not be the same for many years. Where there were once areas of forest, there is now barrenness.

So many did not have food for several days. There was no way to cook anything if there had been. The recovery efforts started as soon as the roads were cleared for them to move in.  One of our friends, Jean, was so busy helping others when in fact she was in need herself. God blessed her in a miraculous way with finances coming her way. She was handpicked by the Lord to receive a special blessing because of her selflessness. She and her husband, Larry, wept as they told us of God’s blessings to them. Their home needs a new roof. They lost their heating and air conditioning. He lost the roof from his work shed. Their trees are gone. Yet, they continually thank the Lord.

Then we heard a testimony from Vince. He and his wife lived in an older home which was completely destroyed. They had purchased a small RV, quite old in fact. It was behind their home and was untouched, making it livable for them! Vince was crying thankful tears as he shared his story.

Betty thanked the Lord that she “only” got 10” of water in her home. She had to have her carpets removed and the walls torn out. She lost furniture also.

There were other stories told to us of how they thanked the Lord for “sparing” them. In front of almost every home there were high piles of debris representing their lost possessions.

Another lady we ran into for lunch was living in a motel. Her home is uninhabitable. We paid for her lunch and she brought the change back saying, “You have refreshed me during this dark time. I want to bless others.”

I remember when Tami was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease, cancer of the lymph nodes. Hodgkins was the best cancer to have according to her oncologist. We thanked God for it!

No matter what we are yet to face or have already faced, we are to give thanks in everything. Jesus does all things well!

“In everything, give Him thanks, give Him thanks. In everything give God the thanks. In the good times, praise His name. In the bad times, we can do the same. In everything give the King of Kings all the thanks.”

- Written By: Jeannie Collins